URCA Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 1

Volume 1 Issue 1 August 2012

Undergraduate Research Dr. Buddie Extends a Welcome to Undergraduate Research Newsletter Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Undergraduate Research Newsletter! This is an exciting time to be engaged in faculty-student collaborative scholarship; there are numerous opportunities to get involved and to showcase the amazing work that emerges from these partnerships. Students from across Kennesaw State University have recently come together to create an Undergraduate Research Club, where they learn about research as well as collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. Hundreds of students attend and present at the Symposium of Student Scholars every April. Others publish their work in the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research: digitalcommons. kennesaw.edu/kjur/. Students and faculty alike have received funding

IMPORTANT DATES

to support their collaborative scholarship, resulting in publications and presentations locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally.

Because there are so many benefits associated with undergraduate research (critical thinking, writing, oral communication, creativity, problem solving, and more), the Association of American Colleges and Universities has named it one of only ten “high impact educational practices” that should ideally be made available to all undergraduates.

If you aren’t involved already, get involved! The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) is here to help – don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need some assistance getting started (cetl4ur@kennesaw.edu).

Sincerely, Dr. Amy M. Buddie Associate Director for Graduate Student Support and Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

Salehi Engages in Research to Achieve Educational Goals

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Funding deadlines are October 5, December 7, February 8, 2013, and April 5, 2013 by 5 p.m.

Pooya Salehi, a biochemistry major at Kennesaw State University, acquires knowledge of chemistry by conducting medicinal bioinorganic research with Janet Shaw, PhD. Salehi excels academically and partakes in research to achieve his goal of attending medical school. On a typical day, Salehi reviews literature and discusses with Dr. Shaw the synthesis which must be completed in the lab. “I work with chemicals, like sulfuric acid, which is very toxic and dangerous,” explains Salehi.

Although professors are required to be on campus while students are conducting research, the students

KJUR Submission Deadline

Dr. Hudson Believes Research More Than Training Experience

URC Meetings

The Undergraduate Research Club (URC) will meet on September 11, October 9, and November 13 at 12:30 p.m in the Burruss Building Room 381.

URCA Funding Deadline

The deadline for submissions for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research (KJUR) is November 18.

CARET Funding Deadline

The Creative Activities and Research Experiences for Teams (CARET) Funding deadline is January 18, 2013 by 5 p.m.

Funding information and applications can be located at www. kennesaw.edu/cetl/faculty_ funds/undergraduate_research. html

“I want to give opportunities to people who may want to be scientists,” states Martin Hudson, PhD, assistant professor of biology at Kennesaw State University. Aside from teaching genetics as well as cellular and molecular biology, Dr. Hudson is passionate about working with undergraduate research students. Dr. Hudson’s required 18-month minimum commitment permits students to gain training in the competitive field of science. He believes this experience will aid students in their future plans of continuing their education or securing a job after graduation. “This is one piece of career structure that no one can take away from you,” explains Dr. Hudson about the research work students conduct.

Experience is not the only appealing factor of research. Professors and students build long lasting relationships with one another. “A student is for

work independently. With seven courses related to the research, Salehi knows what reactions to expect when various chemicals are mixed together.

With the addition to the science building that will provide more lab rooms, professor will be accepting more undergraduate research students.

Salehi encourages undergraduate students to take advantage of the chance to expand their education.

“I would say to students that this is the best opportunity to not just do research but get hands on experience,” states Salehi.

Salehi advises students interested in taking part in research to pay close attention to lab courses and to talk to professors. He searched other research projects before finding a good match with the experiments Dr. Shaw was leading. “Professors aren’t going to come find you,” states Salehi, “you have to find the research professor you are most interested in.”

life- not just Christmas,” said Dr. Hudson.

Undergraduate research provides the opportunity to interact on a one-on-one basis.

Dr. Hudson’s research focuses on developmental neurobiology, with an emphasis on understanding the role of cell migration during nervous system development. Research students are involved in all aspects of the projects. “Enthusiasm, commitment, talent, good grades,” answers Dr. Hudson when asked the factors he looks for in research students, “enthusiasm – that is the most important thing.”

CETL | 1000 Chastain Rd | MD 5400 | Kennesaw, GA 30144 ph. 770.423.6410 | fax. 770.499.3253 | cetl@kennesaw.edu

Undergraduate Research Club Message from President Courtney Collins The Undergraduate Research Club (URC) is a new registered student organization whose mission is to promote undergraduate research on campus, provide members with opportunities for professional socialization into research, and foster relationships among likeminded peers who are also interested in research. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month (Sept. 11,

Oct. 9, and Nov. 13) from 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m in the Burruss Building Room 381.

All KSU students are welcome to attend, and free food is provided. If you are already doing research, or if you want to learn more about how to get started, come join us for our first meeting on September 11.

We look forward to meeting you! For more information, find us on Facebook or contact us at cetl4ur@kennesaw.edu.

Editor’s Corner Newsletter Submissions Is there research you believe should be highlighted, do you have a story to share, or advice to offer regarding undergraduate research? Your submission could be featured in an upcoming issue of the Undergraduate Research Newsletter. This newsletter is published twice per semester. All inquiries should be made as soon as possible. Email cetl4ur@kennesaw.edu or call CETL at (770)423-6410 to submit ideas.

Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Amy Buddie Editor: Daniela Medina Photo Credit: Daniela Medina

Alumni Acknowledges Undergraduate Research Opened Career Doors When did you graduate from Kennesaw State University and what degree did you receive?

I graduated last May, a couple of months ago, and I received a bachelor’s of science in mathematics.

Where do you currently work and what do you do there?

I work at Link Analytics. We do consulting and create new products to help marketing departments. I work on the consulting team for T-Mobile.

What was the undergraduate research you did?

I did research with Dr. DeMaio on Fibonacci numbers and graph theory, basically mixing them together.

Do you believe undergraduate research helped you acquire your current job?

The research was a huge talking point in my interviews. Part of the research was doing presentations, so I presented my work at a couple of conferences and that helped me be a more effective presentation maker.

How was the research conducted?

The math program has a capstone course so part of it is giving a presentation so I decided to work with Dr. DeMaio. We met once a week for an hour and a half, and he gave me assignments that I would work on throughout the week along with my other classes. It was like a class but less structured.

What advice would you give other undergraduate research students?

Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or not, I say try to do some research or talk to a professor about research. It makes you more well-rounded, I think, to see the academic side of school to see what professors do for a living. Everyone is doing research; it’s a big part of school.

What are your future goals?

I see grad school in my future and I want to maintain the connection with [Dr. DeMaio] because I know he is willing to help me when the time comes.

Five Tips on Getting Started in Undergraduate Research 1. Get good grades and show enthusiasm for learning while in class. Most faculty members have their choice of students with whom they can work, so they are likely to choose the top students who show intellectual curiosity.

2. Approach a faculty member who inspires you and whose research interests you. You will need a faculty mentor to supervise your undergraduate research; try to find someone with whom you connect.

3. Get started early. Research suggests that the earlier you get started doing research, the better the learning outcomes. Don’t wait until you’re a senior; you may not have enough time to finish the project.

4. Learn about how research/creative activity is conducted in your discipline. Are there research methodology courses in your major? What classes in your major will help you better understand the research process? Find out and take those courses as soon as you can so you are ready for research as soon as possible.

5. Learn more about the resources that Kennesaw State University provides to support undergraduate research. For example, you can join the Undergraduate Research Club, attend the annual Symposium of Student Scholars in April, read the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research, and check out the funding provided by CETL for undergraduate research. If you would like more information about any of these resources, contact us at cetl4ur@kennesaw.edu.

CETL | 1000 Chastain Rd | MD 5400 | Kennesaw, GA 30144 ph. 770.423.6410 | fax. 770.499.3253 | cetl@kennesaw.edu